Country Life

Native breeds Shire

HE Shire horse, so gentle and patient in its immense strength, has a history of noble service to man and perhaps epitomises Ronald Duncan’s moving—‘England’s past has been borne on his back’—more than any other breed. It originates from medieval times, when a much stronger beast than Britain’s lightly built native breeds was required to carry knights clad in armour; the Great Horse was created with heavier Continental blood.

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